How to stop steel tools from rusting?

[zurud]

I got bunch of hf tools especially pliers that are rusting. I tried wd40, engine oil and bunch of other oil on them but they still rusting. With oil on the tools , they make my toolbox oily... Any other methods I can try. Is brand name like channellock ,knipex will have better product that will not rust and their grip come off?

 

[Matthew3901]

I got bunch of hf tools especially pliers that are rusting. I tried wd40, engine oil and bunch of other oil on them but they still rusting. With oil on the tools , they make my toolbox oily... Any other methods I can try. Is brand name like channellock ,knipex will have better product that will not rust and their grip come off?

So what is the humidity like where you store your tools? I had a similar problem where i had my tools in a shed. by adding drawer liners, and dedicate packs I was able to control it some, but I had a terrible time with my tools rusting. I did have some success with PB blaster on a rag.

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[zurud]

Southern Indiana.

 

[66354dream]

I think it has to do with the finish that's used, my Snap On pliers have rust stains on them and I live in So Cal yet my channel locks SK and other brands I have are perfectly fine.

 

[iminocca]

I've been using PB Blaster Corrosion Stop with good results so far. I don't live in and area with excessive humidity so your results may vary...I just spray it on and wipe off the excess, leaves a little bit of a film behind to do the job. I think WD40 makes a similar product too.

 

[cjn1014]

T9 Boeshield

 

[Rico.]

Some manufacturers use a hard wearing varnish on pliers to
rust "proof" them... Maybe worth trying. Just remember to
clean them properly before application.

My cheap pliers seem to hold up ok with oil on them so
I haven't tried the varnish thing.

 

[zkling]

Yea, rub in or dip in hot paste wax. Or clear coat them if you really want.

 

[d.mcfarland]

The HF even in perfect climate controlled environment conditions, will rust. I'm not bashing at all. Honest truth.

 

[nanofrog]

FWIW, I found wood boxes help control humidity (I get empty cigar boxes from a local shop).

 

[Fugio]

I clean the rust off as much as possible with a wire wheel, chemicals, and anything else I can throw at it.

Once it's all clean I degrease it and spray paint the whole thing with clear enamel. Works like a charm!

 

[Lassen Forge]

Once the rust has been electrolyzed off and wire brushed I clear coat mine with Deft clear lacquer (yeah, I know, it says it's a wood finish, so sue me...) - usually about 3-4 coats. Dries really hard and really fast (hell, it's lacquer), other than things like contact surfaces on OE wrenches it's sturdy enough to last... only been using it for a year, but so far so good.

I used to do the enamel thing, it worked about the same, the only thing I didn't like about it was it took longer to dry & cure...at least so where it was hard enough to use. The lacquer is like 5-10 minutes and you're G2G...

 

[Tucko]

If it's HF tools, leave the rust ON. It's the only thing holding them together.

 

[MashBill]

Best thing that I have found for preventing rust is Boeshield.

 

[G_P]

The HF even in perfect climate controlled environment conditions, will rust. I'm not bashing at all. Honest truth.

This is true. I've noticed that the cheap Chinese tools will rust much faster than quality tools. It must be the composition of the steel they use.

 

[slip knot]

Its all the rusty recycled steel coming up to surface, perfectly natural.

 

[kctyphoon]

 

[unslow1]

My Snap-on duckbill pliers rusted faster than anything else I've seen. I live in IL so I have the same problem as OP. I've been wiping my stuff down with air tool oil.

 

[Sprintman]

ACF-50
Boshield T9

 

[Steinmetz]

Pure lanolin. Machinists have used this for decades to prevent corrosion on machinist tools.